The Car That SAVED BMW | Isetta

Its name meaning “little Iso,” the Isetta was designed and first manufactured by the same Italian firm that later produced the exotic Iso Rivolta, Iso Fidia and Iso Grifo. The Isetta was also built under license by Velam in France, Romi in Brazil, and BMW in Germany and is credited as being the car that saved BMW. While exported to America, their small size, poor performance and unusual appearance made them an unpopular alternative to other economy cars and few were sold.
An American model with protruding bumpers, this example was sold new in California, as evidenced by its state mandated twin windshield wipers.
Don’t miss any of our upcoming videos. Subscribe here: bit.ly/2OKoSM2​​​​
RECOMMENDED PLAYLISTS
The Petersen Automotive Museum Vault: bit.ly/36G8tC0​​​
Ultimate Collection Tours | World's Rarest Cars: bit.ly/2VEAC6e​​​​
--
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Like us on Facebook: / petersenmuseum
Follow us on Instagram: / petersenmuseum
Follow us on TikTok: / petersen_museum .

[@LOTUSELISE340R]

Okay, the Zundap Janus is the most insane car I've ever seen. Doors on both ends and an engine in the middle?! Fascinating info! Keep it coming.

[@Mark.G475]

Great video! Great info, history! Thanks from Milwaukee Wisconsin 🇺🇲🧀🍻.

[@DavidBakker]

Happy to report sunny warm days are not rare in Germany 😊

[@scubatrucker6806]

When I first saw one of these I wanted one. I think they are a cool little car.👍😍👍

[@georgekerr8804]

Informative, with more than I knew of the Isseta.

[@alanmorrison3598]

A band director of mine in the middle 50s, Jr. High, had an Isetta Franchini..He was able to transport the bands' Sousaphone in his Isetta by opening the roof and letting the horn stick through the opening! So where did the name Franchini come from? Longfellow Jr. High in Wauwatosa Wisconsin..

[@northernstar450]

Isotta fraschini is a different brand, they used to be a luxury brand, Isetta belongs to Iso Rivolta that made other GTs with american engines( they are some 40 years apart) now Isotta Fraqschini are producing heavy duty marine enigines

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I had a BMW Isetta in 1974. I needed a brake master cylinder so I went to the local BMW dealer. Despite the BMW logo on the center of the door they denied that it was a BMW.

[@pipedreamin]

Minor detail, the first BMW motorcycle was the R32 of 1923.

[@MarcBrewer]

Elvis Presley owned a Messerschmitt KR200 bubble car.

[@rentatrip1videos]

URKLE